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1. Troubled waters: On India, Sri Lanka and the fisheries dispute
Recent Arrests and Conflict – The Sri Lankan Navy arrested 14 fishermen from Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram district on February 8, 2025, for alleged poaching in waters north of Mannar. This raises the total number of Indian fishermen detained in Sri Lanka this year to 77.
Use of Force by Sri Lanka – On January 27, the Sri Lankan Navy fired at an Indian fishing boat near Delft Island, injuring two fishermen. Additionally, Sri Lankan courts have been imposing heavy fines and prison sentences, making the release process difficult.
Rising Trend in Arrests – Government data shows that in 2024, the number of Indian fishermen arrested in Sri Lanka crossed 500 (528) for the first time in 10 years, compared to 787 arrests in 2014.
Tamil Nadu’s Concerns – Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin, in a letter to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on February 3, highlighted that 97 Indian fishermen and 216 boats were still under Sri Lanka’s custody, urging action for their release.
Issue of IMBL Violations – Indian fishermen frequently cross the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), leading to disputes with Sri Lanka, especially with Tamil-speaking Northern Province fishermen, who oppose bottom trawling due to its environmental impact.
Demand for Fresh Negotiations – Indian fishermen have been seeking a fresh round of talks with their Sri Lankan counterparts. The last meeting was held in November 2016, and the issue was raised in the Joint Working Group meeting in Colombo (October 2024).
Sri Lanka’s Reluctance – The new Sri Lankan government, led by Anura Kumara Dissanayake, appears unwilling to engage in fresh negotiations, leading to a deadlock in resolving the issue.
Diplomatic and Policy Solutions – Unlike the arrests of Indian fishermen in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, the number of detentions in Sri Lanka is significantly higher. India needs to introduce incentives to help Palk Bay fishermen transition away from bottom trawling.
Sustainable Fisheries Approach – Both governments must facilitate immediate discussions between their fishing communities to find interim solutions, emphasizing sustainable fishing policies and proactive diplomacy to resolve the conflict.
2. The problem of regulating live-in relationships
Uttarakhand UCC and Live-in Relationships – Uttarakhand’s Uniform Civil Code (UCC) mandates compulsory registration of opposite-sex live-in relationships and criminalizes unregistered non-marital cohabitation.
Legal Protection for Live-in Partners and Children – The UCC recognizes children born in live-in relationships as legitimate, unlike earlier laws that only granted legitimacy to children from void or voidable marriages. It also provides maintenance rights for partners in cases of desertion but lacks provisions for maintenance upon termination.
Concerns Over Definition and Registration – The UCC defines live-in relationships as ‘in the nature of marriage,’ which may not align with the fluid and informal nature of such relationships. The one-month mandatory registration period does not consider that many live-in relationships do not have a defined start date.
Exclusion of Same-Sex Relationships – The law applies only to opposite-sex live-in relationships, leaving same-sex relationships unrecognized and unprotected under this framework.
Violation of Sexual Autonomy and Privacy – The Supreme Court, in Shakti Vahini v. Union of India (2018), recognized an adult’s right to sexual autonomy. However, the UCC’s requirement that relationships involving individuals below 21 years be reported to their parents/guardians undermines this right, potentially exposing individuals to honor-based violence.
State Surveillance and Criminalization – The law mandates that details of all registered live-in relationships be sent to the local police, treating such relationships as potential law-and-order concerns. The failure to register a live-in relationship is punishable by imprisonment and fines.
Comparative Legal Perspective – In other jurisdictions, the registration of non-marital cohabitation aims to extend legal safeguards to couples, whereas the Uttarakhand UCC treats live-in relationships as a problem requiring regulation and control.
Impact on Individual Rights – By reinforcing parental and state control over personal relationships, the UCC restricts personal freedoms and challenges the constitutional right to privacy and choice in personal relationships.
3. Gaza and Trump’s ‘expanding the canvas’ strategy
Trump’s ‘Expanding the Canvas’ Strategy – Former U.S. President Donald Trump proposed depopulating Gaza and relocating its 2.3 million residents to Egypt and Jordan, with the U.S. taking over Gaza for redevelopment. This strategy aims to force stakeholders into negotiations by presenting a maximalist opening bid.
Saudi Arabia’s Role in West Asian Geopolitics – The region is undergoing a major geopolitical shift, with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) emerging as a key architect. Saudi Arabia’s engagement in the Abraham Accords depends on the creation of a Palestinian state.
Impact of the Gaza War – The conflict since October 7, 2023, has significantly altered regional dynamics. Israel’s perceived invincibility has been challenged, Iran’s strategic influence has weakened, and the region faces repolarization with heightened instability.
Key Political Challenges in West Asia – The region remains entangled in long-standing disputes, including the Israel-Palestine conflict, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Kurdish nationalism, and the Yemeni crisis. Trump’s return to office adds uncertainty due to his unpredictable foreign policy approach.
Economic Consequences of the Conflict – The cost of rebuilding war-torn areas is enormous: Gaza ($50 billion), Lebanon ($8.5 billion), and Syria ($500 billion). The economic impact is worsened by U.S. sanctions and dependence on hydrocarbons, which face long-term decline.
Oil Market and U.S. Policy – Trump’s policies, including withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accord and promoting domestic drilling, could impact global oil prices. A sharp decline in oil prices may affect West Asian economies, which are crucial for regional reconstruction efforts.
U.S.-Saudi Relations Beyond Oil and Security – The U.S. and Saudi Arabia need to redefine their 80-year-old partnership. MbS, leading a $1.07 trillion economy, has balanced relations with global powers while maintaining influence over OPEC. He has played a stabilizing role despite regional turbulence.
Saudi Arabia’s Influence on Reconstruction and Diplomacy – MbS has positioned Saudi Arabia as a potential financier for post-war reconstruction and a key player in advancing a two-state solution, despite resistance from the Israeli Parliament.
Challenges to Trump’s Vision – While Trump seeks to expand the Abraham Accords, the Gaza conflict has complicated U.S. regional diplomacy. His transactional approach to diplomacy, including pressuring Saudi Arabia for $1 trillion in U.S. investments, highlights the challenges of his leadership style in a transformed West Asia.
West Asia’s Future Outlook – The region faces continued uncertainty due to unresolved political disputes, economic fragility, and shifting power dynamics. Saudi Arabia’s strategic decisions will be crucial in determining the path of regional stability and reconstruction.
4. Utilising doctorate holders in plotting the growth of India
The article discusses the integration of PhD holders into industry and government through temporary placements to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world applications.
Synergy Between Academia, Industry, and Government
PhD holders can contribute significantly to all three sectors by fostering innovation, solving societal problems, and aiding economic growth.
Bridging the Knowledge-Application Gap
Many PhD holders are confined to academia with little exposure to real-world applications. Temporary placements in industry and government can help bridge this gap.
Industry-Relevant Disciplines
AISHE 2021-22 report highlights that a significant percentage of PhD enrolments are in engineering, technology, and science—disciplines directly relevant to industry and government.
Breaking the Academia-Industry Silos
Academia often focuses on theoretical knowledge, while industries seek practical applications. Temporary stints can integrate PhD research with real-world needs.
Enhancing Policy-Making
PhD holders in fields like health, climate change, education, and technology can contribute to evidence-based policymaking and public governance.
Driving Innovation
PhD holders in areas like AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology can lead technological advancements, benefitting both industries and public services.
Interdisciplinary Solutions for Complex Challenges
Global issues like climate change, pandemics, and cybersecurity require collaborative solutions involving academia, industry, and government.
Knowledge Transfer and Professional Development
Exposure to industry and government environments can help PhD holders gain critical skills like leadership and problem-solving, enhancing career prospects.
Flexible Workforce and Women Empowerment
Short-term industry experience post-PhD can benefit women researchers before taking domestic responsibilities, enabling re-entry into careers later.
Government and Industry Support
Funding can come from CSR funds or government initiatives like the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme to integrate PhD holders into national development plans.
Contribution to ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’
Leveraging the expertise of PhD holders in key sectors can accelerate India’s progress towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.
5. Emergency exit: On the Manipur Chief Minister’s resignation
The article discusses the resignation of N. Biren Singh as the Chief Minister of Manipur amid political and ethnic turmoil.
Resignation of Manipur CM: N. Biren Singh resigned on February 9, 2025, due to growing dissent within the BJP and an impending no-confidence motion by the Opposition Congress.
Ethnic Conflict in Manipur: The state has witnessed prolonged ethnic violence between communities, with Singh’s alleged role as an instigator under Supreme Court scrutiny.
Article 355 and Law & Order: Though Article 355 was not officially declared, the Union Government effectively took control of law and order in Manipur.
BJP’s Political Setback: The BJP lost both Lok Sabha seats from Manipur in the 2024 general elections, signaling public dissatisfaction across both hill and valley regions.
Communal Rhetoric: Singh’s statements labeling Kuki-Zo-Hmar groups as “infiltrators” and linking them to illicit activities escalated tensions, hindering reconciliation efforts.
Armed Violence and Impunity: The inability to control armed groups, including those who looted police armories, contributed to a breakdown of governance.
Need for Reconciliation: The Union Government must appoint a neutral leader, facilitate civil society participation in peace talks, and focus on the rehabilitation of over 60,000 displaced people.
Political Solutions within Federalism: India’s federal structure offers mechanisms for conflict resolution, but confidence-building and ending violence must precede any long-term settlement.
Way Forward: Singh’s exit should be followed by swift policy actions to restore peace, address grievances, and rebuild trust among conflicting communities.
6. India as a bridge between the Global North and South
India aspires to be the “Voice of the Global South” by advocating for more inclusive global governance and development cooperation. Unlike the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), India’s current approach is not based on decolonization or strong anti-Western sentiment but on balancing relationships with both the Global South and traditional powers like the U.S. and Europe. This effort is influenced by geopolitical factors, including China’s growing dominance, and India’s own strategic trade, defense, and diplomatic interests.
Key Points
1. India’s Vision for the Global South
- India aims to lead reforms for a more inclusive global governance structure.
- It seeks to amplify the voice of the Global South in international forums.
- India hosted the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit 2024 to push this agenda.
2. Strategic Motivations Behind India’s Engagement
- Unlike NAM, India’s engagement is not anti-West but about strategic balancing.
- Strengthening ties with both Global South and traditional allies like the U.S. and Europe.
- Visits such as Jake Sullivan’s (U.S.) and Modi’s visit to Poland (2024) indicate India’s expanding diplomatic efforts.
3. The China Factor
- India’s role is often seen as countering China’s influence, especially in Africa.
- Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) trends suggest competition with China in key regions.
- The Quad Partnership (India, Japan, U.S., Australia) is seen as an attempt to contain China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific.
- However, India is not just a counterforce to China but is positioning itself as an independent power.
4. Global South’s Economic Challenges & India’s Role
- Developing countries are disillusioned with existing economic paradigms due to debt and conditionalities.
- They seek alternatives beyond China or Western-led financial institutions.
- India can fill this gap by positioning itself as a credible development partner.
Steps India Must Take to Strengthen Its Role
1. Promoting an Alternative Development Model
- India must emphasize equal partnerships rather than an “India-first” approach.
- The Global Development Compact should reflect collaborative efforts rather than just Indian experiences.
- India must balance its role as a knowledge provider with openness to learning from other Global South countries.
2. Human-Centric Development Approach
- India has promoted Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) for sustainable development.
- Focus should shift to human resource development, including:
- Skill India and women entrepreneurship initiatives.
- Strengthening institutional capacity in Global South countries.
- Leveraging India’s expertise in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
- Key focus areas: digital infrastructure, climate and energy solutions, water, and food security.
3. Strengthening Global Governance & Institutional Capacity
- India successfully championed the African Union’s inclusion in G-20 (2023).
- Needs to move beyond supporting institutional reforms to building domestic capacity for international development cooperation.
- Utilizing partnerships with experienced countries (e.g., Germany, France, UN institutions) to strengthen its global initiatives.
- Developing independent, India-led international development frameworks in the long term.
Challenges & The Way Forward
- Geopolitical Risks: Expanding influence in the Global South requires navigating complex global political dynamics.
- Environmental Concerns: Increased development partnerships must balance economic growth with sustainability.
- Investment Risks: India must ensure strong policy support to attract private investment in its global initiatives.
- Need for Greater Receptivity: India must listen to the concerns of the Global South to avoid being seen as imposing its own model.
Conclusion
India has a unique opportunity to redefine global development by bridging the Global North and South. It must go beyond rhetoric and adopt a truly inclusive approach, focusing on mutual growth, capacity building, and long-term cooperation. By doing so, it can emerge as a credible leader of the Global South while maintaining strategic ties with global powers.
Disclaimer:
This analysis is based on the editorial content published in The Hindu and is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. The views, opinions, and interpretations expressed herein are those of the author of original article. Readers are encouraged to refer to the original article for complete context and to exercise their own judgment while interpreting the analysis. The analysis does not constitute professional advice or endorsement of any political, economic, or social perspective.
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